Apparatus for burning sulfur and treating liquids with the combustion gases therefrom



Sept. 24, 1957 J. T. RUSSELL 2,807,522 APPARATUS FOR BURNING SULFUR ANDTREATING LIQUIDS WITH THE COMBUSTION GASES THEREFROM Filed Dec. 1'7,1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 A BSGRPTION TOWER MAKE UP WATER 90; kscmcumr/wSULFUR HOPPER- AND caou/va Mam/g CHAMBER 87 TOWER 47 PH. RECORDER 4 vii;KETTLE '62 AND coMsusr/oy 86 CI. PUMP Y CHAMBER AIR 73 TREATED PRESSUREI WATER RECORDER IIII'I I. I. 47

37 INVENTOR.

Jolly T. Russell.

Sept. 24, 1957 J RUSSELL 2,807,522 I APPARATUS FOR BURN ING SULFUR ANDTREATING LIQUIDS WITH THE COMBUSTION GASES THEREFROM Filed Dec. 17. 19534 Sheefs-She'et 2 l 85 80 78 I 76 I 79 7 I 1 .l 3 Q I I 9/ is? 70 I 6 7/65 72 4' E I 1,4 F| 2s 7- 25 84 l/* r L. i 2 L v i: 4 3 a 5 73, 86 7 !8as I I 23 32 g; 29 J -35 7 I, /A A A A A A\\ A 7 30 3/4 INVENTOR.

Jolly "7'. Russell BY W J QA A T TORNYS.

p 1957 J. T. RUSSELL 2,807,522

APPARATUS FOR BURN NG SULFUR AND TREATING LIQUIDS WITH THE COMBUSTIONGASES THEREFROM Filed Dec. 1'7, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

Jo/ly T Russell, y

A rro/PNE vs.

Sept. 24, 1957 'J. 'r. RUSSELL 2,307,522

. 'APPARATUS FOR BURNING SULFUR AND TREATING uquxos WITH THE COMBUSTIONGASES THEREFROM Filed Dec. 17, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 c aawamamaeaamaaea' belawmafi Z u a 0 INVENTOR. 42 37 J0// 7'. Russell A 'T-TORNErs;

United States Patent Ofilice 2,807,522 Patented Sept. 24, 1957 APPARATUSFDR BURNING SULFUR AND TREAT- ING LIQUIDS WITH THE CQMBUSTION GASESTHEREFROM Jolly T. Russell, Kansas City, Mo., assignor to PanhandleEastern Pipe Line Company, Kansas City, Mo., a corporation of DelawareApplication December 17, 1953, Serial N0. 393,773 7. Claims. (Cl.23-478) This invention relates to apparatus for burning sulfur andtreating liquids with the combustion gases therefrom, and moreparticularly to a novel apparatus for burning sulfur and varying theproduction of combustion gases therefrom and introduction of such gasesinto liquid in accordance with the acidity or alkalinity of the liquid.

Scale and deposit formations and corrosion in cooling water systems havelong been a source of trouble. Various methods including the addition ofsulfuric acid for alkalinity control have been used with varying degreesof effectiveness. The combustion gasesfrom the burning of sulfur havebeen used in the treatment of liquids in order to avoid the hazards ofhandling of sulfuric acid. Sulfur burners in the past have also had anumber of disadvantages. In some of the structures there was everpresent a danger of flooding the burner chamber with liquid sulfur andthe burners were of high cost and of complicated structure. Also, watertreatment systems employing a sulfur burner do not make ample provisionor allow suflicient time for the oxidation of the sulfurous acidproduced to sulfuric acid or the oxidation of its compounds (sulfites)formed by the reaction of the sulfurous acid with the constituents inraw water to sulfates.

It has been found that this oxidation is necessary since chlorine,bromine and other compounds used for algae control together withdichromate compounds used for corrosion control are oxidizing agents andwould readily react with sulfurous acid and sulfites which are reducingagents. Provision for effecting this oxidation prevents increased costof chemicals for algae and corrosion control might result from the useof a sulfur burner for cooling water treatment. In addition, sincecalcium sulfite is nearly insoluble, it is preferable that the oxidationto sulfate be completed before the treated water enters the coolingwater system in order to minimize the danger of calcium scale depositionon hot surfaces. It has been found that with a given exposed surface ofmolten sulfur the amount of air passed through the burning chambergoverns the amount of sulfur burned, but when the air supply over theliquid sulfur is shut off or when it is necessary to burn only a verysmall amount of sulfur it has been difficult and impractical to properlycontrol the sulfur burner.

Also, presently available burners are not satisfactory for operation byautomatic controls, since such a burner must function when the burningrate is practically nothing to that corresponding to full capacity,whereas presently available burners must consume sulfur at a certainminimum rate, about one pound per hour per square foot of burningsurface, to avoid smothering of the combustion by an accumulated crustof gangue material, similar to the oxide sludge which accumulates on topof molten metal. In addition, even if smothering were not a factor,presently available burners are not amenable to operation by automaticcontrols because they do not make provision to handle the large volumeof sublimed sulfur which results when combustion is stopped, as byshutting off the air supply, and sensible heat in the sulfur and itssurroundings is dissipated as heat of sublimation. Finally, a burneramenable to automatic control must provide a means of readily reignitingthe sulfur when burning is to resume, a feature lacking in presentlyavailable burners.

The objects of the present invention are to provide apparatus includingthe burning of sulfur wherein the acidity or alkalinity of the liquid tobe treated is used to continuously and automatically control the rate ofburn-' ing of the sulfur by regulating the amount ofcombustion airsupplied to the burner; to provide a sulfur burner in which ignition ofthe sulfur is maintained for instant variation in the output ofcombustion gases; to provide a sulfur burner construction that isreadily adapted for change in the arrangements of firebrick, refractory,or other suitable lining within the combustion chamber to vary thecapacity of the burner; to provide a sulfur burner structure capable ofburning low grades of raw sulfur that present no hazard in the handlingor storage thereof; to provide a sulfur burner and elevated absorptiontower combination for applying a natural draft to the burner therebyeliminating blowers and the like for forcing combustion air to theburner; to provide a combination of a sulfur burner andabsorption-aerator section wherein the sulfur is burned and thecombustion gases or sulfur dioxide absorbed in water to be treated; toprovide a combination of a sulfur burner an an absorption-aeratorsection wherein an ample excess of air is injected into the combustiongases to provide for the oxidation of the sulfurous acid and/or sulfitesto sulfuric acid and/or sulfates; to provide a combination of a sulfurburner and an absorption-aerator section which islocated a considerabledistance from a cooling tower for the .dual purposes of safety (as whenan inflammable material is being cooled) and of allowing ample time forthe oxidation reaction to approach completion and thus reduce losses ofchlorine or other algaecides and/or dichromate compounds or otheroxidizing agents used for corrosion.

control; to provide a sulfur burner with automatic controls for thelevel of liquid or molten sulfur therein wherein fuel used for meltingthe sulfur is controlled in accordance with pressure required for air tobe bubbled through the liquid sulfur; to provide means for bubbling airthrough the molten sulfur for agitation of the surface thereof andeffect a low rate of burning of the sulfur to maintain the sulfur moltenand flame for instant increase in the rate of burning; and to provideapparatus with suitable controls for the burning of sulfur and thetreating of water that can be operated for long periods of time withonly periodic inspection, that is economical to manufacture and operateand that can be easily altered to burn various amounts of sulfur.

In accomplishing these and other objects of the present invention, Ihave provided improved details of structure, the preferred forms ofwhich are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. lis a diagrammatic view of the apparatus for burning sulfur andtreating liquids with the combustion gases thereof, together with thevarious controls for regulating the apparatus. A

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view through the sulfur burner,absorption tower and aerator.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view through the sulfur melting andburning apparatus.

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view through the lower portion of thesulfur burner on the line 4-4, Fig. 5.

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional viewthr-ough the lower portion of thesulfur burner on the line 5-5, Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view through the sulfur burner on theline 6-6, Fig. 5.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

1 designates an apparatus for burning sulfur and treating liquid withthe combustion gases, which generally ineludes a sulfur melting and.burning apparatus 2, an absorption-aerator section 3 preferablysupported on a tower 4, a liquid cooling tower 5 the water from whichisibeing treated by the apparatus described, and aliquid' collectingbasin or sump 6 under the cooling tower. The sulfur melting and burningapparatus 2 has a hopper 7 adapted to receive a be burned. The hopper 7is supported on a plurality of legs 8 inspaced relation to a suitablebase, ground or other supporting structure 9. The hopper. has a top wall10 which is suitably secured to the upper ends of side walls 11 andeach'of the side walls 11 terminates at its lower end in inwardly anddownwardly sloping portions 12, which terminate as at 13 to provide anopening 14 at the bottom of the hopper. Aheater structure 15 is arrangedunder the hopper, said heater structure having a bottom wall 16 and sidewalls 17 extending upwardly from said bottom wall, the upper ends of theside walls 17 being suitably secured to the inwardly and downwardlysloping portions 12 of the hopper in outwardly spaced relation to theopening 14. Suitably supported in the heater structure is a hopper sumpmember 18 having upper edges 19 close to or substantially engagingaround the lower edges 13 of the wall portions 12; The top wall lllhasan upwardly extending flange 22 defining an opening 23 which is closedby a hatch cover 24 hingedly mounted whereby it can be opened forintroducing sulfur into the hopper and then moved into position to closethe opening 23 during operation of" the apparatus. An agitator 25 islocated in the hopper slightly above the lower edge 13 of the wallportions 12. The agitator consists of a shaft 26 having a plurality ofradially arranged fingers 27 extending there from. The shaft 26 isrotatably mounted in the hopper with one end of said shaft extendingthrough a wall and provided with a,suitable handle for manuallyoscillating the agitator at periodic intervals to prevent bridging ofthe sulfur in the hopper.

A burner 28 operating on gas or other suitable fuel is located .in achamber 29 defined by the walls 16 and 1-7 and the sump member 18. Theburner 28 supplies heat to the sump member to melt the sulfur and themolten sulfur moves down the inclined walls of the sump member and flowsthrough adownwardly extending pipe 30 to a sulfur combustion section 31in which the lower end of the pipe30 extends below the surface of themolten sulfur at the minimum level to prevent escape of combustion gasesthrough the pipe 30 or entry of air through said pipe to the combustionsection to be later described. Gas or other suitable fuel is suppliedthrough a pipe 32 to the burner 28. In order that the apparatus mayoperate in locations exposed to the weather it is preferable that theburner 28 be entirely in the chamber 29 and that air to supportcombustion enter through an adjustable air inlet. 33 in the form of adoor or the like in a wall of the chamber 29 and a duct 33' which isturned downwardly to protect the entry from weather. However,conventional forms of gas and air mixers may be used for the burner ifdesired. The chamber 29 has a flue connection including a stack 34 forescape of the products ofcombustion from the burner 28, said stackhaving an open lower end 35 forming a draft check at the lower endthereof.

The sulfur melting and burning apparatus 2 includes a sulfur combustionsection 31 preferably located under the chamber 29. The sulfurcombustion section 31 consists of a metal housing having a top wall 36,bottom wall 37, front wall 38, back wall 39 and side walls 40 and 41,said walls being removably secured together as by bolts or the like 42.A partition 43 extends upwardly from the bottom wall 37'substantiallymidway between the front and rear walls 38 and 39 respectively to form aprimary sulfur combustion chamber 44 between the front wall 38 andpartition 43 and a secondary chamber 45 between the partition 43 andtherear wall 39. The

suitable quantity of raw sulfur to partition terminates as at 46 inspaced relation to the top wall.36. Each of the chambers 44 and 45contains a plurality of blocks 47 of refractory or other suitable liningmaterial, the blocks being of suitable size to form a lining for eachchamber and protect themetal of the housing from contact with the sulfuror gases therefrom. The number of blocks used, particularly in theprimary chamber 44, may be varied to change the horizontal cross sectionof the chamber space defined by the innermost blocks, it beingpreferable to add or remove blocks to the sides of the space asillustrated in Fig. 5 in making such variation.

The rate of burning of molten sulfur varies with the surface area of themolten sulfur. and the air passed through the burning chamber. Thereforethe ability to change the area by the addition or removal of the blocksis important in varying the capacity of the burner according to therequirements desired. The blocks adjacent the partition 43 have openings48 extending therethrough above the partition to provide communicationbetween the chambers 44 and 45. The molten sulfur supply pipe 30 extendsthrough the top wall 36 and through the liner blocks forming the liningfor the top wall and extends downwardly into the primary combustionchamber 44 whereby the sulfur flowing from the hopper into the sumpmember and melted therein is discharged into the burner chamber 44. Itis preferable that the pipe 30 extend through a sleeve 36' on the wall36 and suitable packing 36 be contained therein to prevent passage ofair or combustion gas around the pipe 30 to or from the combustionchamber 44. A packing gland or the like may be used to form the seal ifdesired. Combustion air for burning of the sulfur enters or isdischarged into the chamber 44 above the level of the molten sulfurtherein by means of a pipe 49. The air inlet pipe preferably is alrangedto extend through the wall 38 and adjacent liner blocks in a downwardlyand inwardly sloping angle toward the molten sulfur in the primarychamber 44.

A T fitting 50 preferably is arranged on the pipe 49 exteriorly of thewall 38 with one of the aligned branches secured to the pipe 49 and theother provided with a connection to a gate or like valve 51. asillustrated in Fig. 3. Extending outwardly from the gate valve is atubular member 52 having the outer end thereof closed by a glass 53 orother suitable window whereby when the valve 51 is opened an operatorcan look through the glass 53, connection 52, valve 51, T fitting 50 andpipe 49 to view the conditions in the primary chamber 44. In normaloperations the valve 51 is closed and the outer end of the tube 52closed by a suitable cover 54. The other branch of the T fitting 50 isconnected to an inlet pipe 55 open to atmosphere or connected to asuitable source of air, the delivery of the air through the pipe 55, Tfitting 50 and pipe 49 being controlled by a regulator valve 56, theopening of which is controlled as later described. The air deliveredthrough the pipe 49 to the primary chamber 44 supports combustion of themolten t sulfur therein and the products of combustion of the sulfurpass through the opening 48 into the secondary chamber 45, thendownwardly in the chamber 45 over secondary chamber burner 57 where anysublimed sulfur is ignited, air for such combustion and for secondaryburner 57 being drawn through a secondary chamber air louver 57. Air inexcess of that required for combustion of sublimed sulfur and fuel forburner 57 is admitted through louver 57' to serve for the oxidation ofsulfurous acid and/or sulfites to sulfuric acid and/or sulfates as laterdescribed. Combustion gases and excess air leave chamber 45 through aduct 58, the duct 58 preferably being a metal pipe lined with suitablerefractory material. All metal parts throughout the entire apparatusthat come in contactwith the sulfur or gases thereof are preferably ofnoncorrosive metal such as stainless steel or are pro tected by suitablecoating of refractory material or other suitable protective coating. Theproducts of combustion of the sulfur are delivered by the duct 58 to theabsorption-aerator section 3.

A small tube 59 extends downwardly through the wall 38 and adjacentrefractory blocks and terminates in an open end adjacent the bottom ofthe molten sulfur containing space of the primary chamber 44. The tube59 is connected to a suitable air and/ or gas supply under pressure, theflow of air through the tube 59 being controlled by a valve 59. Air iscontinually delivered through the tube 59 and said air escapes andbubbles upwardly through the molten sulfur in the chamber 44 where itserves the triple purpose of controlling level of. molten sulfur inchamber 44, agitating the surface of molten sulfur to continually moveany accumulated gangue t the sides and thus expose a clean sulfursurface at all times, and provide a controlled amount of burning servingas a pilot flame to reignite the entire sulfur surface as needed, and,at the same time, providing suflicient heat to keep the sulfur molten.Gas under pressure can also be injected in tube 59 along with the air ifgreater heat liberation is required. Dilference in level of the sulfurwill vary the back pressure on the air flowing through the tube 59 andthis variation in back pressure is used to automatically control thelevel of the liquid sulfur in the chamber 44.

A pressure recorder and control 60 is connected to the tube 59 betweenthe valve 59' and the open end of said tube whereby the back pressure onthe air in the tube 59 is recorded and the pressure recorder and control60 has a connection 62 to a gas regulator valve 63 in the gas supply tothe pipe 32 for operating the valve 63 in accordance to the backpressure in the tube 59. When the level of molten sulfur in the chamber44 lowers to a predetermined level the reduction in back pressure causesthe pressure regulator controller 60 to effect opening of the valve 63to deliver gas to the burner 28. A pilot light 64, connected to the gassupply in front of the valve 63, maintains a flame in the burner chamberwhereby when the gas supply valve 63 is open the gas is ignited at theburner to supply heat to the sump member 18 to melt additional sulfurwhich is delivered through the pipe 30 to the chamber 44. When theliquid sulfur in said chamber raises to a predetermined level theincreased pressure in the tube 59 causes the pressurerecorder-controller 60 to effect closing of the valve 63 to reduce therate of or stop the melting of additional raw sulfur. This arrangementprovides an automatic level control which constantly functions tomaintain a supply of sulfur in the primary chamber 44.

The controlling of the valve 56 in accordance with the requirements forthe gaseous products of combustion from the burning of sulfur, thecontrol of the sulfur level in the chamber 44 and the sulfur meltingburner 28 provide an eflicient, automatically operated sulfur burnerrequiring only periodic attention to refill the hopper withv raw sulfurto be melted and the moving of the agitator 26 to prevent bridging ofthe sulfur in the hopper, inspection of the conditions in the chamber 44by looking through the glass 53 and examination of the pressurerecorder60 to observe the variation in the back pressure in the tube 59.

The absorption-aerator section 3 is supported at an elevationsubstantially above the sulfur burning apparatus by means of a tower 4having a frame 64. The frame is. preferably of open construction ofpipes or structural members suitably secured together. Supported by thetower frame at an elevation above the sulfur burner is a platform 65having a central opening 66 therein. A tubular structure 67 of suitablematerial, such as a plurality of tiles 68, is mounted on the platform65, the tiles preferably being of the bell end type for the seating ofone tile in another. A perforated plate 68 is arranged preferably at thejoint of the tiles, whereby all material flowing through the tiles mustpass through the perforated plate. A closure plate 69 is sealed in thelower end of the lowermost tile 68 and rests on the plat form 65, theplate having an opening 70 therein surrounded by a depending flange 71which extends into the upper end of a suitable reducer fitting 72, thelower end of which extends into a pipe 73 leading to the collectingbasin or sump 6 of the cooling tower 5. The pipe 73 is preferably ofplastic or other acid resistant material and the upper portions thereofsupported by clamps 74 and turnbuckles75, as illustrated in Fig. 2. Pipe73 is of suitable length to permit location of the sulfur burnerinstallation a safe distance in case the tower 5 is cooling inflammableliquids, vapors or gases. Length of pipe 73 is such as to require aresidence time of preferably two minutes for treated water leaving theabsorption-aerator section 3 to reach cooling tower basin 6, thusallowing time for substantially all sulfites and/or sulfurous acid to beoxidized to sulfates and/or sulfuric acid. In order to catalyze suchoxidation a trace of copper is maintained in the water furnished throughpipe 84 presently to be described.

The uppermost tile 68 has a closure plate 76 provided with a centralopening 77 through which extends the lowermost of a plurality of bellend tiles 78 which are smaller in diameter than the tiles 68. The tiles78 extend upwardly and are suitably secured together and sealed withsuitable cement or the like. The cover plate 76 also has an opening 79spaced from the opening 77 and the discharge end of the pipe 8% issecured therein. The pipe 8%) leads to a suitable source of makeup Waterfor the water system being treated, the delivery of makeup water to theabsorption-aerator section 3 by the pipe 80 being controlled by a valve81 operated by a level responsive control device 82 in the basin 6 ofthe cooling tower, whereby the supply of water in the basin ismaintained between a predetermined minimum and maximum.

The duct 58 communicates with the interior of the uppermost tile 78 at apoint spaced below the upper end 83 of said tile, the upper end 83 ofthe tile being suitably closed to prevent entry of air from theatmosphere. A pipe 84 of substantially smaller size than the interior ofthe tiles 78 extends downwardly through the closed end 83 and preferablysubstantially midway the height of the tiles 78. A plurality of spraynozzles 85 are arranged on the lower end of the pipe 84 for sprayingwater delivered by the pipe 84 downwardly inside of the tiles 78. Theperforated plate 68' is provided to aid mixing of the water from pipe 84which has largely absorbed the sulfur dioxide from the combustion gases,and the makeup water from pipe 80, thus effecting a conversion ofcarbonates and bicarbonates in the makeup water to sulfites andproviding conditions favoring the absorption of any remaining sulfurdioxide. In addition contact with the excess air in the combustion gasesis effected as the combined water streams flow through the holes ofplate 68' thus providing for the absorption of oxygen needed for theoxidation of sulfurous acid and/or sulfites to sulfuric acid and/orsulphates. A pump 86 has its inlet connected to the basin 6 and itsdischarge is through a pipe 87 which is connected to a T 88, one branchof said T being connected to a pipe 89 for delivering a portion of thewater pumped by the pump 86 to the top of the cooling tower 5. The otherbranch of the T 88 is connected to the pipe 84 whereby a portion of thewater is delivered to the sprays 85 and discharged downwardly in thetiles 78. The sprays 85 are arranged relative to the interior ofthetiles 78 whereby said sprays of water induce a flow of air from thesecondary burner chamber and through the duct 58 and also induce a draftthat draws the gases from the burning sulfur in the burner chamber 44.The elevated location of the absorptionaerator section 3 together withthe action of the sprays 85 induces a flow of gas therein and provides adraft that acts on the chambers 44 and 45 and draws air through the pipe55. This provides a natural and induced draft and eliminates therequirement for a blower for supplying combustion air to the sulfurburner, and in this way the valve 56 merely controls the entry ofatmospheric air into the sulfur burner. When the sulfur. burner isoperating to, burn sulfur the product of combustion thereof, namelysulfur dioxide, together with air that enters through the louver 57', isdrawn through the duct 58 and downwardly in the tiles 78, into thesprays of water from the sprays 85, whereby the water absorbs the sulfurdioxide. The flow of sulfur dioxide, rich water and air passesdownwardly in the tiles 68. The aeration taking place in this chamber asthe water falls downward aids oxidation of the sulfurous acid and sulfites by the oxygen from the atmosphere and the absorption of theatmospheric oxygen converts the sulfurous acid and sulfites intosulfuric acid and sulfates. A tubular stack 90 has an open end above theabsorption aerator section and extends downwardly and communicates withthe interior of the tiles 68 as at 91 in spaced relation to the bottomplate 69 to permit escape of unabsorbed gases.

A pH recorder-controller 92 is connected to a pH cell 93 in a line 94which is connected to the pipe 87 for bypass of a small quantity of thedischarge water of the pump 86, through the cell 93 and back to thebasin 6. The pH cell actuates the pH recorder-controller to measure andrecord the acidity or alkalinity of the water and provides a means ofassuring the correct amount of neutralization of the alkalinity of thecooling water at all times by a connection from the pHrecorder-controller 92 to the valve 56. Thus when the cooling water istoo far on the acid side, high acidity, the controller operates toactuate the valve 56 to shut off the supply of combustion air to theprimary sulfur burner chamber 44, which in turn reduces the rate ofburning of sulfur and the production of sulfurous acid and finallyreduces the neutralization of the alkalinity of the cooling water.Likewise when the cooling water as measured by the pH cell 93 becomestoo alkaline the controller effects opening of the valve 56 forincreased flow of combustion air to the primary chamber 44, increasingthe rate of burning of sulfur and the production of sulfurous acid tofurther neutralize the alkalinity of the cooling water, therebyproviding an automatic control of the burning of the sulfur inaccordance to the requirements of the water to be treated.

The controls 60, 82 and 92 may apply power for operating the valves 63,81 and 56 respectively in any suit able manner. as by electric currentor by air pressure. It is preferable that such controls be standarditems ob tainable in commercial channels, and since plants having suchinstallations usually have a supply of compressed air it is preferableto use valves which are normally closed by a spring pressure and openedby air pressure from the supply of air to the valves as controlled bythe respective controllers 60, 82 and 92.

In operating a sulfur burner and water treating system constructed andassembled as described, the hatch cover 24 is raised and the hopperfilled with raw sulfur. The hatch cover 24 is moved to closed positionand then the pilot light 64 is ignited. Air or other suitable, powerissupplied to the controllers 60, 82 and 92 and with water in thebasin 6the pump 86 is operated to start circulation of said water. .With nomolten sulfur in the chamber 44 there is substantially no back pressurein the tube 59. Therefore the pressure recorder-controller 60 willfunction to effect opening of the valve 63 whereby gas is delivered tothe burner 28 which is ignited by the pilot light 64, the products ofcombustion from the burner 28 escaping to the atmosphere through theflue stack 34. The heat from the burner 28 melts the sulfur in the sumpmember 18 and the liquid sulfur runs through the pipe 30 into theprimary chamber 44. The sulfur is ignited and the air bubbling throughthe molten sulfur from the tube 59 will cause a slow burning of theliquid sulfur to act as a pilot light and also generate sufficient heatto keep the sulfur in the chamber 44 molten. As the pump circulates thewater a small portion thereof will pass through the bypass 94 and pHcell 93, and as the alkalinity of said water becomes more than apredetermined maximum the pH recorder-controller 92 operates to effectopening of the valve 56. The spray of water from the sprays in theabsorption-aerator section induces a draft drawing air through the pipe55 into the chamber 44, over the surface of the liquid sulfur therein tosupport combustion of the sulfur and the sulfur dioxide or products ofcombustion of the sulfur passes through the opening 48 through thechamber 45 over the secondary burner 57 where any sublimed sulfur isburned with air drawn in through the secondary chamber louver 57 andleaves through the duct 58 to the absorptionaerator section 3 where suchgas is absorbed in the water sprays. Air drawn into the water effectsaeration of same in the absorption-aerator section 3 to oxidize thesulfurous acid and sulfites to form the sulfuric acid and sulfates inthe treated water. Excess or unabsorbed gases escape through the flue90. The treated water flows through the pipe 73 to the sump 6, graduallyreducing the alkalinity thereof. As the alkalinity decreases the pH cellcauses the pH recorder-controller 92 to actuate the valve 56 to closethe pipe 55, shutting off the main combustion air supply to the chamber44, but air is continued through the tube 59 to maintain a small burningof the sulfur and keep the same molten whereby the next time the pH. ofthe water indicates that it needs further treatment and the valve 56 isopened increased burning will begin instantly.

From time to time sulfur vapors will escape from chamber 44 unburned,especially when valve 56 is closed following vigorous burning. When thecombustion gases cool, these sulfur vapors will sublime to sulfurpowder, which, if not removed, would plug duct 58 and preventfunctioning of the apparatus. To prevent such sublimation, burner 57 isprovided to ignite any escaping sulfur vapors, air for such combustionbeing drawn through louver 57'. As stated heretofore, air in excess ofthat required by burner 57 and the burning of sulfur vapors is drawnthrough louver 57', such excess air subsequently serving for theoxidation of sulfurous acid and/or sulfites.

The burner 28 continues to effect melting of the raw sulfur to supplymolten sulfur to the chamber 44 until the level of sulfur therein hassufficient head to cause a back pressure on the air flowing through thetube 59 to actuate the pressure recordencontroller 60 to effect closingof the valve 63, shutting off the main supply of gas to the burner 28and the melting of additional sulfur will stop until such time as thelevel of the sulfur in the chamber 44 recedes to a point 'wherein theback pressure created in the tube 59 indicates that additional moltensulfur should be supplied. With this arrangement the entire sulfurhandling apparatus is under a vacuum due to the spray in theabsonption-aerator section and the elevation thereof, thereby reducingpossibility of injury in the operation of the burner and escape of thesulfurous gases therefrom. Also the entire system is automaticallycontrolled to supply the needed water treatment. The level of liquidsulfur in the chamber 44 is maintained and the surface of the sulfurtherein is continually disturbed by the bubbling air in the sulfur tomaintain ignition in said chamber and maintain the sulfur therein inmolten condition and, at the same time preventing the forming ofdeposits or gangue on the sulfur in the chamber 44. The sulfur burnercapacity may be easily altered by removing the side plates and some ofthe lining blocks to increase and decrease the capacity of the apparatusin the treatment of water.

It is believed obvious I have provided an efficient, economical systemof burning sulfur and treating water with the products of combustion ofthe sulfur, which will continue to operate over long periods of timewith.

b substantially no attention, with little possible injury to attendants.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A sulfur burner comprising, a hopper for containing raw sulfur, ahousing under the hopper, a burner in the housing, means for supplyingcombustible fuel to the burner whereby ignition of said burner appliesheat to the hopper to melt sulfur therein, a shell below the housing anddefining a sulfur combustion chamber, means for flowing molten sulfurfrom the hopper to the combustion chamber to form a pool of moltensulfur therein, means for delivering air into the pool adjacent thebottom thereof whereby said air bubbles up through the molten sulfuragitating the surface of the pool and supports low rate combustion ofthe sulfur in the combustion chamber, means responsive to back pressureon the air delivery means caused by the head of molten sulfur in thepool and connected to the burner fuel supply means for controlling theheating of the raw sulfur in the hopper and rate of melting said rawsulfur whereby the level of sulfur in the pool is maintained, an airinlet in the combustion chamber above the level of molten sulfur, a ducthaving communication with the combustion chamber above the level ofmolten sulfur, and means inducing a draft in the duct to draw airthrough the air inlet to support high rate combustion of the moltensulfur and draw the sulfur dioxide produced by such combustion from thecombustion chamber.

2. A sulfur burner comprising, a hopper for containing raw sulfur, meansproviding access to the hopper for introducing raw sulfur thereto, asump member at the bottom of the hopper, a housing under the hopper andsurrounding the sump member, a burner in the housing, means forsupplying combustible fuel to the burner where by ignition of saidburner applies heat to the sump member to melt sulfur in the lowerportion of the hopper which melted sulfur runs to the sump member, aflue communicating with the housing for escape of products of combustionof the burner, a shell below the housing and defining a sulfurcombustion chamber, means for flowing molten sulfur from the sump memberto the combustion chamber to form a pool of molten sulfur therein, meansfor delivering air into the pool adjacent the bottom thereof wherebysaid air bubbles up through the molten sulfur agitating the surface ofthe pool and supports low rate combustion of the sulfur in thecombustion chamber, means responsive to back pressure on the airdelivery means caused by the head of molten sulfur in the pool andconnected to the burner fuel supply means for controlling the heating ofthe raw sulfur in the sump member and rate of melting said raw sulfurwhereby the level of sulfur in the pool is maintained, an air inlet inthe combustion chamber above the level of molten sulfur, and meanseffecting a flow of air through the air inlet to support high ratecombustion of the molten sulfur.

3. A sulfur burner comprising, a hopper for containing raw sulfur, meansproviding access to the hopper for introducing raw sulfur thereto, asump member at the bottom of the hopper, a housing under the hopper andsurrounding the sump member, a burner in the housing, means forsupplying combustible fuel to the burner whereby ignition of said burnerapplies heat to the sump member to melt sulfur in the lower portion ofthe hopper which melted sulfur runs to the sump member, a fluecommunicating with the housing for escape of products of combustion ofthe burner, a metal shell below the housing, refractory lining blocksremovably mounted in the shell defining a sulfur combustion chamber,means for flowing molten sulfur from the sump member to the combustionchamber to form a pool of molten sulfur therein, means for deliveringair into the pool adjacent the bottom thereof whereby said air bubblesup through the molten sulfur agitating the surface of the pool andsupports low rate combustion of the sulfur in the combustion chamber,means responsive to back pressure on the air delivery means caused bythe head of molten sulfur in the pool and connected to the burner fuelsupply means for controlling the heating of the raw sulfur in the sumpmember and rate of melting said raw sulfur whereby the level of sulfurin the pool is maintained, an air inlet in the combustion chamber abovethe level of molten sulfur, means controlling said air inlet, a ducthaving communication with the combustion chamber above the level ofmolten sulfur, and means inducing a draft in the duct to draw airthrough the air inlet to support high rate combustion of the moltensulfur and draw the sulfur dioxide produced by such combustion from thecombustion chamber.

4'. Apparatus for burning sulfur and treating water with the products ofcombustion thereof comprising, a hopper for containing raw sulfur, ahousing under the hopper, a burner in the housing, means for supplyingcombustible fuel to the burner whereby ignition of said burner appliesheat to the hopper to melt sulfur therein, a shell below the housing anddefining a sulfur combustion chamber, means for flowing molten sulfurfrom the hopper to the combustion chamber to form a pool of moltensulfur there-in, means for delivering air into the pool adjacent thebottom thereof whereby said air bubbles up through the molten sulfuragitating the surface of the pool and supports low rate combustion ofthe sulfur in the combustion chamber, means responsive to back pressureon the air delivery means caused by the head of molten sulfur in thepool and connected to the burner fuel supply means for controlling theheating of the raw sulfur in the hopper and rate of melting said rawsulfur whereby the level of sulfur in the pool is maintained, an airinlet in the combustion chamber above the level of molten sulfur, meanscontrolling said air inlet, a duct having communication with thecombustion chamber above the level of molten sulfur, a water circulationsystem, an absorption tower in the water circulation system and havingwater spray means therein, said duct communicating with the absorptiontower whereby the water spray means induces a draft in the duct to drawair through the air inlet to the combustion chamber to supportcombustion of the molten sulfur and draw the sulfur dioxide produced bysuch combustion from the com-bustion chamber into the absorption tower,an aerator section in the water circulation system of the absorptiontower for aerating the treated liquid and oxidizing sulfurous acid andsulfites therein to form sulfuric acid and sulfates, and meansresponsive to the degree of alkalinity of the water in the Watercirculation system and having connection with the air inlet controlmeans for regulating the amount of com-bustion air introduced throughthe air inlet to the combustion chamber and regulate the burning of themolten sulfur in accordange to the requirements of the water beingtreated,

5. Apparatus for burning sulfur and treating water with the products ofcom-bustion thereof comprising, a hopper for containing raw sulfur,means providing access to the hopper for introducing raw sulfur thereto,a sump member at the bottom of the hopper, a burner in the housing,means for supplying combustible fuel to the burner whereby ignition ofsaid burner applies heat to the sump member to melt sulfur in the lowerportion of the hopper and said melted sulfur runs to the sump member, aflue communicating with the housing for escape of products of combustionof the burner, 21 metal shell below the housing, refractory liningblocks removably mounted in the shell defining a sulfur combustionchamber, means for flowing molten sulfur from the sump member to thecombustion chamber to form a pool of molten sulfur therein, means fordelivering air into the pool adjacent the bottom thereof whereby saidair bubbles up through the molten sulfur agitating the surface of thepoo-l and supports low rate combustion of the sulfur in the cornlbustionchamber, means responsive to back pressure on the air delivery meanscaused by the head of molten sulfur in the pool and connected to theburner fuel supply means for controlling the heating of the raw sulfurin the sump member and rate of melting said raw sulfur whereby the levelof sulfur in the pool is maintained, an air inlet in the combustionchamber above the level of molten sulfur, means controlling said airinlet, a duct having communication with the combustion chamber above thelevel of molten sulfur, a water circulation system, an absorption towerin the water circulation system and having water spray means therein,said duct communicating with the absorption tower whereby the waterspray means induces a draft in the duct to draw air through the airinlet to the combustion chamber to support combustion of the moltensulfur and draw the sulfur dioxide produced by such combustion from thecombustion chamber into the absorption tower, an aerator section in thewater circulation system of the absorption tower for aerating thetreated liquid and oxidizing sulfurous acid and sulfites therein to formsulfuric acid and sulfates, and means responsive to the degree ofalkalinity of the water in the water circulation system and havingconnection with the air inlet control means for regulating the amount ofcombustion air introduced through the air inlet to the combustionchamber and regulate the burning of the molten sulfur in accordance tothe requirements of the water being treated.

6. A sulfur burner comprising, a hopper for containing raw sulfur, ahousing under the hopper, a burner in the housing, means for supplyingcombustible fuel to the burner whereby ignition of said burner appliesheat to the hopper to melt sulfur therein, a shell below the housing anddefining a sulfur combustion chamber, means for flowing molten sulfurfrom the hopper to the combustion chamher to form a pool of moltensulfur therein, means for delivering air into the pool adjacent thebottom thereof whereby said air bubbles up through the molten sulfuragitating the surface of the pool and supports low rate combustion ofthe sulfur in the combustion chamber, means responsive to back pressureon the air delivery means caused by the head of molten sulfur in thepool and connected to the burner fuel supply means for controlling theheating of the raw sulfur in the hopper and rate of melting said rawsulfur whereby the level of sulfur in the pool is maintained, an airinlet in the combustion chamber above the level of molten sulfur, asecondary combustion chamber having communication with the firstnamedcombustion chamber above the level of molten sulfur, a duct havingcommunication with the secondary combustion chamber, means inducing adraft in the duct to draw air through the air inlet into the first-namedcombustion chamber to support combustion of the molten sulfur and drawthe sulfur dioxide produced by such combustion from the first-namedcombustion chamber and through the secondary combustion chamber, andheating means in the secondary combustion chamber for maintainingsufiicient heat therein to burn any sulfur particles drawn therethroughand prevent sublimation of sulfur inthe sulfur dioxide.

i 7. Apparatus for burning sulfur and treating water with the productsof combustion thereof comprising, a shell defining a sulfur combustionchamber, means for deliveringmolten sulfur to the combustion chamber toform a pool of molten sulfur therein, means for delivering air into thepool adjacent the bottom thereof whereby said air bubbles up through themolten sulfur agitating the surface of the pool and supports low ratecombustion of the sulfur in the combustion chamber, means responsive toback pressure on the air delivery means caused by the head of moltensulfur in the pool and connected to the molten sulfur delivery means forcontrolling the delivery ofthe molten sulfur to the combustion chamberwhereby the level of sulfur in the pool is maintained, an air inlet inthe combustionchamb'er above the level of molten sulfur, meanscontrolling said air inlet, a secondary combustion chamber havingcommunication with the firstnam'ed combustion chamber above the level ofmolten sulfur, said secondary combustion chamber having an adjustableair inlet, a burner in the secondary combustion chamber tomaintainsufiicient temperature therein to ignite any unburned sulfur vapors andthus prevent sublimation of sulfur, a duct having communication with thesecondary combustion chamber, a water circulation systern, an absorptiontower in the water circulation system and having water spray meanstherein, said duct comrrrunicating with the absorption tower whereby thewater spray means induces a draft in the duct to draw air through thefirst-named air inlet to the first-named combustion chamber to supportcombustion of the molten sulfur and draw the sulfur dioxide produced bysuch combustion from the combustion chamber into the secondary chamberand draw air through the air inlet in the secondary combustion chamberand the sulfur dioxide from the secondary combustion chamber through theduct into the absorption tower, and means responsive to the degree ofalkalinity of the water in the water circulation system and havingconnection with the air inlet control means for regulating the amount ofthe combustion air introduced through the air inlet to the combustionchamber and regulate the burning of the molten sulfur in accordance tothe requirements of the water being treated.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTSJanuary 1949, page 95.

1. A SULFUR BURNER COMPRISING, A HOPPER FOR CONTAINING RAW SULFUR, AHOUSING UNDER THE HOPPER, A BURNER ING THE HOUSING, MEANS FOR SUPPLYINGCOMBUSTIBLE FUEL TO THE BURNER WHERENY IGINITION OF SAID BURNER APPLIESHEAT TO THE HOPPER TO MELT SULFUR THEREIN, A SHELL BELOW THE HOUSING ANDDEFINING A SULFUR COMBUSTION CHAMBER MEANS FOR FLOWING MOLTEN SULFURFROM THE HOPPER TO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER TO FORM A POOL OF MOLTENSULFUR THEREIN, MEANS FOR DELIVERING AIR INTO THE POOL ADJACENT THEBOTTOM THEREOF WHEREBY SAID AIR BUBBLES UP THROUGH THE MOLTEN SULFURAGITATING THE SURFACE OF THE POOL AND SUPPORTS LOW RATE COMBUSTION THESULFUR IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER, MEANS RESPONSIVE TO BACK PRESSURE ONTHE AIR DELIVERY MEANS CAUSED BY THE HEAD OF MOLTEN SULFUR IN THE POOLAND CONNECTED TO THE BURNER FUEL SUPPLY MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THEHEATING OF THE RAW SULFUR IN